Topcon’s MC-Mobile brings machine control to compact machines

MC-Mobile is geared to compact equipment like compact track loaders and mini excavators of 10 tons or less

Topcon Positioning Group is bringing portable machine control to compact equipment.

With its new MC-Mobile platform, precision grading can be done with compact track loaders and mini excavators manned by operators armed with only a basic knowledge of the technology.

“People have been really surprised that somebody would put this type of technology on smaller machines,” said Oscar Cantú, Topcon Positioning Systems. “After that surprise, they’re excited to think of the applications they could use this for - 7 1/2-foot right-of-ways, or 15 feet between two houses - they realize, if we have to excavate there, this type of precision would be great.”

Mark Jones, business development manager, Topcon, said the new solution is based on the Topcon MC-X machine control platform.

“MC-Mobile is geared to compact equipment like compact track loaders, mini excavators of 10 tons or less. We want to get on every attachment that we can... motor grader blades, box blades, a six-way dozer blades, we’re even going to put a sensor on some flat-bottom buckets,” he said. “Now these compact machines can move around a job site with the precision of traditional machine control that’s typically geared to heavy machines.”

MC-Mobile provides users with design, build and check functionalities within the Topcon software experience. Operators can utilize modular components for a range of applications, including grade checking, creating designs on the fly, and self-performing site layouts without traditional staking.

“Our MC Mobile product line is going to have 2D and 3D solutions,” Jones explained. “But what it’s really geared to is entry level, the features and functions are going to be simplified.”

Displays and other components are designed to be easily shared across numerous machines in owned or rental fleet environments. These pieces can also be moved from grade checking/layout rover pole to machine and back.

“MC-Mobile is a simplified, yet comprehensive machine control and site work solution for any contractor that uses compact equipment,” said Jamie Williamson, executive vice president, Topcon. “It’s easy to set up and use, it’s affordable, and it offers the same competitive benefits of machine control solutions designed for larger equipment.”

He added, “MC-Mobile enables contractors to get jobs done faster and more accurately - eliminating costly rework and allowing them to reallocate resources to other tasks on the job site.”